What if we told you that in a little corner of Sydney there lies a time portal back to how Australian working-class families used to live in the 19th century? Susannah Place is a humble brick terrace that’s housed more than 100 families since it was built in 1844 and today you can step inside the freshly restored building for a blast from the past.
Museums of History NSW have been hard at work on a five-year conservation project so that visitors can get the most out of their visit to Susannah Place. Now, you can explore the four homes inside and take part in hands-on activities for a one-day only street party.
On Saturday, October 11, there’ll be artist-led workshops, live vintage jazz performances, talks by experts, and old-fashioned street games so your little ones can see how kids spent time before screens were a thing.
There’ll be chalk stencilling inspired by the house’s pretty patterned linoleums with Alice McAuliffe, a hands-on embroidery activity with Leah Giblin, DIY protest banner-making with Nicole Barakat inspired by redevelopment activism in the 1970s and more. Our favourite part is the recreated 1915 corner shop where you can pick up retro treats.
Bring the whole family along to the one-day Susannah Place Street Party on October 11 from 10am to celebrate the restoration of the heritage-listed building. The event is free, but make sure you register here.